Hearts ace Scott Robinson has apologised to Jambos boss Gary Locke after accusing the manager of picking on him.

Robinson was substituted at half-time during last weekend's home defeat by St Mirren for the second game in a row with the player claiming: "I think it was a case of, 'I'll just pick on him again and take him off'."

The 21-year-old has now moved to defuse any row with Locke by saying his comments were made in the heat of the moment.

"I was very emotional after Saturday's game and perhaps I should have taken a moment to think about what I was saying," Robinson said in a statement on the club's official website

"Certainly, I was upset about being subbed off but any footballer worth their salt would be too as we just want to be the best all the time.

"I don't feel like the manager's singling me out for unwanted attention, I absolutely know that. He has started me in every single match this season and that wouldn't happen if I were being picked on.

"I'd like to apologise to the manager and my team-mates for causing any offence and I want the supporters to know we are all in it together even if recent headlines have suggested otherwise."

Locke has accepted Robinson's apology and has drawn a line under the whole matter.

"I've spoken with Scott and the matter has been dealt with behind closed doors," said Locke.

"I understand some of Scott's frustrations but anything and everything I do is because I believe it's for the benefit of the team."